Moreno Valley Unified School District awarded grant for teacher credentialing program

The grant will support classified employees on a path to become a teacher.

Classified staff in the Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) will have the opportunity to become teachers with the support of a grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. “MVUSD Classified 2 Certificated Pathway” will provide a path for classified staff like secretaries and instructional assistants to gain a teaching credential and move into a high-impact career of teaching. The program was awarded 22 slots in the statewide program.

The pathway is designed to support working adults at MVUSD to earn an integrated bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and either a multiple subject credential, single subject credential or education specialist credential. Participants will receive discounted tuition at the district’s partner Brandman University, a laptop, time to work on studies and coaching.

Like many school districts, MVUSD experiences shortages in credentialed math, science and special education teachers on a yearly basis, the number is expected to increase as more teachers reach retirement. “We have a teacher shortage nationwide. We are always looking for ways to mentor willing employees in the district to become teachers,” said Director of Professional Development and Digital Learning Dr. Sue Buster.

Many of the district’s classified employees grew up in Moreno Valley, graduated from MVUSD and then found employment with the district, according to Jolynn Neal, president of the Moreno Valley Chapter of the California School Employees Association. “The union has long been seeking a way to better fund members’ degree completions so they may access certificated positions, we are very supportive of this grant,” Neal said. “There is a lot of interest.”

“For many of our classified employees, it is very hard to find the time or financial resources to return to school. We have a need for dedicated teachers and this grant will help our staff already committed to the students of Moreno Valley advance their careers into a teaching position,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.

An application process is being finalized. The program is expected to begin in early 2018.